DMP & Mutual Support Thread - Part 10

spot3

More preparations for debt free living today, and trying desperately to learn to budget a little too late. I've opened a new basic bank account with Lloyds, I'll 'pay' myself each week into that and that'll be the only card that leaves the house.

I got my credit report from Equifax and I've noted the dates of my defaults (just the 3!) and also discovered that due to the size of the payments I'm now making to my last 2 creditors they haven't been marking them AP for a few months now.

I hope you're all well

jools35

Thanks for the replies.

I've made some progress and spoken to someone very helpful at Stepchange who has put my mind a ease.

She said I can defer until 1 May to give us time to get organised. I might miss the cut off for my wages to go into the new bank for next month and want to make sure everything is in place before I go cancelling things. She was so nice and said not to stretch ourselves for the first 6 months/year and if we feel we're paying too much just to call them.

I called Capital One as I have a payment due with them today, and they were really nice. Took my Stepchange ref details and said that they will put the account on hold, but will still add interest etc until they have the official papers through. Said I might get another call next month, but just to confirm Stepchange details. I offered a token payment, but he said not to bother. Is this normal?

Also - called RBS as I had completed online application for a basic account yesterday. When it finished it said I was also eligible for a Select account which surprised me. I ended up with two ref numbers. Called them today and they said I just need to go into the bank with my proof of address etc and the account will be set up. So, I don't know which account I've got, or both....will find out tomorrow.

So thankful to all the information on here. I'm trying to read through the whole thread as I would not have had a clue where to start without this. :T

Puzzcat

jools35 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

I've made some progress and spoken to someone very helpful at Stepchange who has put my mind a ease.

She said I can defer until 1 May to give us time to get organised. I might miss the cut off for my wages to go into the new bank for next month and want to make sure everything is in place before I go cancelling things. She was so nice and said not to stretch ourselves for the first 6 months/year and if we feel we're paying too much just to call them.

I called Capital One as I have a payment due with them today, and they were really nice. Took my Stepchange ref details and said that they will put the account on hold, but will still add interest etc until they have the official papers through. Said I might get another call next month, but just to confirm Stepchange details. I offered a token payment, but he said not to bother. Is this normal?

Also - called RBS as I had completed online application for a basic account yesterday. When it finished it said I was also eligible for a Select account which surprised me. I ended up with two ref numbers. Called them today and they said I just need to go into the bank with my proof of address etc and the account will be set up. So, I don't know which account I've got, or both....will find out tomorrow.

So thankful to all the information on here. I'm trying to read through the whole thread as I would not have had a clue where to start without this. :T

Hi jools, so glad you are finding the thread useful. With regards to capital one, they are my biggest individual debt and I have had no problems with them. I would however still write to them, and I would include a token payment each month. The trouble with phone calls is there is no trail or evidence. Well done for getting started your doing a grand job.
Puzz.x

lewpster

There was me thinking highly of Barclaycard with everyone's negative stories, but they've turned on me now. I wrote to them in November saying I had an issue with my car and Decembers payment would be smaller. They acknowledged this, said happy christmas and I thought all was ok.
Tonight I come home to a statement. My balance has shot up, they've charged me over £100 interest and I feel sick : ( how will I ever pay it off. Have sent them a secure message so fingers crossed they reply and hope they take the interest off : (

Sazzie23

lewpster wrote: »

There was me thinking highly of Barclaycard with everyone's negative stories, but they've turned on me now. I wrote to them in November saying I had an issue with my car and Decembers payment would be smaller. They acknowledged this, said happy christmas and I thought all was ok.
Tonight I come home to a statement. My balance has shot up, they've charged me over £100 interest and I feel sick : ( how will I ever pay it off. Have sent them a secure message so fingers crossed they reply and hope they take the interest off : (

:mad: sorry to hear that, just when you think it's ok someone kicks you from left field. Maybe it's just a computerised oversight thing and they can fix it for you. If not keep complaining:eek:p

phoenixx wrote: »

So I lost it with my kids today - I say 'kids' but one is 25! They are both very intolerant of me when I'm tired or working and show no understanding that I am trying to repay debts. I have explained about the DMP and what we are trying to do but they say I work too much and am always tired. I am truly upset - all came to a head today and the older one said I am crazy and need to grow up. I have gone from being so proud of myself to feeling at lowest ebb ever. I know I shouldn't have yelled at them but I am so exhausted and close to the edge. Sorry for this middle of the night ramble but at least I know there are people here who understand the misery debt brings with it and the giant effort it takes to get out.

Hi Phoenix, your signature tells it's own story, what fantastic progress you have made. Sounds Like your children maybe just concerned about how hard you've been working and for so long. You're sort of mid point towards DFD and I think this is one of the hardest times, when it's an uphill struggle and you've little reserves left from pre DMP. Everything you own is looking tired and replacing things isn't an option, and it is wearing and weary making. No wonder you feel exhausted.

I'm sure the children don't understand how the burden of debt makes you feel, I don't think it's something anyone can truly empathise with, unless they've been there, and here we are for exactly that reason. If you can find it in your heart to be glad the children care that you are tired and pretty fed up, maybe treat them to some of your time when you have a good day, they'll understand more and you'll recharge your batteries a little to keep going. Your are well towards halfway, and then it will be a downhill slope. :T

Sazzie23

Puzzcat wrote: »

Hi jools, so glad you are finding the thread useful. With regards to capital one, they are my biggest individual debt and I have had no problems with them. I would however still write to them, and I would include a token payment each month. The trouble with phone calls is there is no trail or evidence. Well done for getting started your doing a grand job.
Puzz.x

Hi Jools, I agree with Puzz, write to them with the token payment, then there is no question about what is happening.

phoenixx

Sazzie23 wrote: »

:mad: sorry to hear that, just when you think it's ok someone kicks you from left field. Maybe it's just a computerised oversight thing and they can fix it for you. If not keep complaining:eek:p



Hi Phoenix, your signature tells it's own story, what fantastic progress you have made. Sounds Like your children maybe just concerned about how hard you've been working and for so long. You're sort of mid point towards DFD and I think this is one of the hardest times, when it's an uphill struggle and you've little reserves left from pre DMP. Everything you own is looking tired and replacing things isn't an option, and it is wearing and weary making. No wonder you feel exhausted.

I'm sure the children don't understand how the burden of debt makes you feel, I don't think it's something anyone can truly empathise with, unless they've been there, and here we are for exactly that reason. If you can find it in your heart to be glad the children care that you are tired and pretty fed up, maybe treat them to some of your time when you have a good day, they'll understand more and you'll recharge your batteries a little to keep going. Your are well towards halfway, and then it will be a downhill slope. :T

Thanks Sazzie23 - you are right about the worn out things and half way through feeling - it's so tough and I have reached new levels of exhaustion as I continue to juggle jobs around. To make a bit more time I have decided to give up one of my 5 jobs (one that brings in least return for most hassle). The irony is that we have always tried super hard to protect the kids from the impact of the debt but now I am not so sure that was the best idea. Maybe there is/was mileage in being more open about it. They know we are paying off debts but on personal levels, neither has suffered much as a result. Fridge/freezer is on its way out, bed is broken and our oven is held together by glue! We eventually had to replace the shower and when the plumber saw it he said we were lucky we hadn't been electrocuted:eek: Also car fix yesterday...but was £40 less than expected so happy days :T I really can't say enough how much I am supported by this forum. Have spent several hours last night helping DD2 with her maths - and it was very hard indeed!

phoenixx

pinksandi wrote: »

Hi
Im really struggling with trying to open a new thread..
All i'm after is a bit of information for a first time renter.
My boyfriend and i are looking to rent a 2 bedroom property for around £500 a month.. We're total newbies so no idea what we need to budget for on top of this or how much it will be, any help?
THANKS

Hello pinksandi

Exciting times moving in with your bf. On top of rent you will need to budget for Council tax, gas/electricity, water and contents insurance. If the flat you rent comes with a service contract, there will be a charge for that too (upkeep of lift/hallway/communal gardens etc.) We pay £135 a month for council tax on a 3 bed semi, £175 for gas and electric and £75 a month for water. In a 2 bed flat these amounts are likely to be less but for some things it will depend on location. Hope that helps.

fermi

pinksandi wrote: »

Hi
Im really struggling with trying to open a new thread..
All i'm after is a bit of information for a first time renter.
My boyfriend and i are looking to rent a 2 bedroom property for around £500 a month.. We're total newbies so no idea what we need to budget for on top of this or how much it will be, any help?
THANKS

Moved to a new thread for you.

Click --> https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5173195

lewpster

A nice lady from Barclaycard just replied saying they are refunding me the £101+ interest which isn't a lot but it is when I am trying to pay back my debts. They had the Stepchange payment so are going to investigate when the interest was added and will get back to me soon. They apologised for the distress so that's something!